Thousands Return to Devastated Gaza Mosques for First Prayers Since Ceasefire

Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, thousands of Gazans have returned to their devastated neighborhoods and mosques, marking a poignant step towards normalcy after two years of conflict. Many found their homes and communities, especially in Gaza City, reduced to rubble, making rebuilding a daunting challenge. Despite widespread destruction—over 90% of mosques damaged or destroyed—worshippers gathered in the few surviving mosques, such as the historic Sayed Hachem mosque, to perform Friday prayers for the first time in months, expressing a profound sense of relief and unity. The call to prayer resonated across Gaza, symbolizing resilience amid loss, though many residents continue to pray in tents or on rubble where their local mosques were destroyed. The emotional return to communal worship highlights both the cultural and spiritual endurance of Gazans amid ongoing hardships, including limited food, water, and electricity. However, concerns remain as the conflict’s aftermath leaves many homes obliterated and essential infrastructure in ruins, underscoring the long road to recovery ahead.